What causes abdominal muscle pain?

Apr 17, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lin Yunfei

Introduction

The abdominal muscles consist of several parts, including the external oblique, internal oblique, and rectus abdominis, forming an important muscle group in the human body. Pain may be caused by intense exercise, trauma, acute gastroenteritis, peritonitis, gastric ulcer, or other reasons. Under a doctor's guidance, undergoing appropriate examinations to establish an accurate diagnosis helps determine suitable treatment strategies and promote recovery.

The abdominal muscles consist of multiple parts, including the external oblique, internal oblique, and rectus abdominis, forming an important muscle group in the human body. Abdominal pain may be caused by various factors such as strenuous exercise, trauma, acute gastroenteritis, peritonitis, or gastric ulcers.

1. Strenuous Exercise

Pain may result from excessive abdominal exercises such as crunches or sit-ups, leading to lactic acid buildup in the abdominal muscles, causing soreness or aching. Appropriate massage and warm compresses can help alleviate these symptoms.

2. Trauma

Failing to warm up before exercise or excessive twisting of the waist may overstretch the abdominal muscles, resulting in strains or tears and causing noticeable pain and hematoma. Immediate rest is recommended, along with cold compresses within the first 24 hours followed by warm compresses after 24 hours to help relieve symptoms.

3. Acute Gastroenteritis

Improper diet, infections, or poor personal hygiene may lead to intestinal infection by pathogens such as *Vibrio parahaemolyticus* or *Salmonella*, triggering acute gastroenteritis. This often causes spasms of the intestinal smooth muscles, leading to abnormal contractions of the abdominal muscles and resulting in pain. Other accompanying symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting. Under medical guidance, antispasmodic medications such as pethidine hydrochloride tablets, scopolamine butylbromide tablets, or racemic hyoscine may be used to relieve discomfort.

4. Peritonitis

Infection, rupture, or perforation of intra-abdominal organs may cause inflammatory changes in the peritoneal tissue, leading to peritonitis and associated abdominal muscle pain. Symptoms may also include abdominal muscle rigidity and fever. Following a physician's advice, antibiotics such as metronidazole tablets, chloramphenicol tablets, or gentamicin sulfate tablets may help alleviate symptoms.

5. Gastric Ulcer

An acute flare-up or worsening of gastric ulcers increases the extent or depth of gastric mucosal erosion, causing severe pain. The pain stimulus may trigger local nerve excitation, leading to abnormal contractions of the abdominal muscles, resulting in stiffness and pain. Under medical supervision, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or sodium bicarbonate tablets can help relieve symptoms.

Undergoing appropriate examinations and obtaining an accurate diagnosis under a doctor’s guidance are essential for determining the correct treatment plan and promoting recovery.

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